Opposition mocks SMJ out of fear for its potential, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Opposition leaders who mock the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan are only doing so as they are afraid of the benefits it will bring to the state and its people, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the state government introduced the plan in accordance with the Sabah coat of arms to rally the people.

“We have implemented many programmes despite facing numerous challenges since taking over the state government,” the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman said on Saturday (March 23).

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“We planned (SMJ) meticulously, but it has been attacked day in and day out (by the Opposition), although it just follows the motto on the state’s coat of arms,” he noted.

Hajiji said Sarawak has “Sarawak Maju Makmur”, while states in the peninsula also have their own slogans, but only the Opposition in Sabah appeared to be afraid of SMJ.

Speaking during a buka puasa event organised by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah’s (Gagasan Rakyat) Klias division in Beaufort district, he told party members to be united in facing challenges and slander thrown at the GRS-Pakatan Harapan Plus state government.

“In this holy month of Ramadan, let us solidify our cooperation and unity and not entertain frivolous matters raised by our opponents.

“We admit that there is a great deal to do for the people, whether it has to do with water or electricity supply and other issues, but we are committed to resolving all of them.

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“We have a plan, and hopefully these issues will be addressed soon,” the Gagasan Rakyat president added.

Hajiji also hoped to maintain cooperation and understanding among Gagasan Rakyat, its GRS coalition partners and Pakatan.

“We want to develop Sabah together (as) we are lagging behind (because of) too much politicking,” he said.

He also announced a RM1mil allocation to help with repairs to the Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Lajim Ukin Mosque.

Also present was Gagasan Rakyat vice president Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif and Klias Gagasan Rakyat division head Datuk Isnin Asliasnih.